The Australian Bill Ellis

We had a very chilled Sunday in Sydney, seeing the Opera House up close - didn't realise it was actually three separate structures. We then had a good look at the Royal Botanic Gardens, riding the little "choo choo" train around with the guide. The weather was variable - mainly cloudy, with rain showers and with the sun breaking through now and again. Really nice place to bring a picnic with fantastic views of the harbour.
Getting into the swing of it here with our apartment - could easily live here. No problems.

On Anna's insistence to "get our money's worth" from our weekly travel ticket, we took the ferry to McMahon's Point, where we are staying for our last few days at the end of the week. Amazing views of the harbour bridge and opera house here - looks much more impressive. On the way back to the apartment we bumped into a guy offering free hugs. Anna's idealistic response to this? - "He must be a pervert". Very harsh that, although he did try to feel my arse when he hugged me. Take it when you can get it, I say.
Being the classy guy that I am, we went to a bowling alley for a cheap pizza but our order got mixed up. However I managed to wangle some free drinks which was Anna's highlight.

Unfortunately, as it was cloudy most of the day, Anna dissuaded me from putting on sunscreen ("it turns you into a slime ball") saying I wouldn't need it. Well, I did. Before I went to bed, my arms and face were burning and bright red. Not a happy bunny. The sun is like an enemy to me, hunting me down, stalking me behind those shadowy clouds, slyly emanating its rays of destruction into my baby white skin. The sooner they invent a pill I can take that can protect me, the better. Up early yesterday, having had an uncomfortable night "on fire". Dread to think of the ageing effect that will have on me. Probably actually start looking 25 now instead of 18.

Yesterday, we were picked up for our tour of the Blue Mountains, which is a national park located about 50 miles outside of Sydney. As such, I missed the Liverpool vs Man City game. Sounds like we were a bit unlucky (again). It was on this tour that we made acquaintance with the Australian Bill Ellis - a man named John. Whilst not resembling Bill (obviously not as pretty), he was exceptionally well organised, very efficient and knew something about everything. He was an excellent tour guide (maybe Bill's Wirral Tours could be a goer?) showing us around a part of the Blue Mountains, including:
- Flat Rock (amazing views of the valley below and wentworth waterfall). Anna's got a photo with her legs dangling over the edge. I was about 100 metres further back....

- Leura village (a quaint grasmere type village)

- cable car rides which were very steep and good fun, with amazing views. As one of our American friends put it "oh my God ....... It's beautiful ....".

- viewed the 3 sisters rock formation ( there's an aboriginal story or "dream" about this)

- katacoomba waterfall

- aborginal drawing in the rocks

It's called the Blue Mountains because of the blue mist produced by the eucalyptus trees. Great to see and well worth it. An enjoyable but tiring day finished with a ferry ride back from sydney olympic park to Darling Harbour, which gave us a chance to view some of the amazing properties on the Parramatta River.

To end, we'd like to give a US style "shoutout" to Nikki and Karl. Its been a big year for the special couple, with the wedding and Karl's fortieth birthday and we are expecting there to be a little announcement from you both by the time we get back. I've installed secret CCTV cameras and a two way communication feed in your bedroom which Jean can access on her ipad, so she can offer some real time advice. Good luck - Karl don't let me down big boy - Australia will have to wait as Jean wants Nikarl to arrive before the year's out. Here's hoping to some good news!!! Adios ....